Nostalgic Holiday Traditions at Hillcrest Mall

Nostalgic holiday traditions are taking centre stage at Hillcrest Mall this season, with experiences designed to bring families together close to home. One of the region’s only family Breakfast with Santa experiences joins returning favourites, community programming, holiday workshops, local performances and Santa visits, blending beloved traditions with new opportunities to create meaningful memories together.

“The holidays are about coming together and creating traditions that families look forward to year after year,” said Mina Caringi, General Manager at Hillcrest Mall. “At Hillcrest, we’re proud to create experiences that bring our community together, from familiar holiday favourites to new traditions like Breakfast with Santa. We want families to make meaningful memories close to home and feel part of the holiday magic right here in Richmond Hill.”

Breakfast with Santa: A Fresh Take on a Holiday Favourite | November 15, 22 & 29

Inspired by amusement park character dining experiences and beloved holiday customs once synonymous with department store visits, Hillcrest is introducing Breakfast with Santa, one of the only experiences of its kind at a GTA shopping centre. This festive activity is designed to bring families together for a new holiday tradition. Hosted at Ramona’s Kitchen, the experience includes breakfast, a personal table visit and story time with Santa, a children’s goodie bag and a reserved Santa photo session in Centre Court.

Tickets are $120 per table of four, with the Santa photo package included. Net proceeds will support Mackenzie Health Foundation, an important cause for the local community. Families can book this cozy and memorable experience on the Hillcrest website.

Santa Comes to Town – November 14

One of the season’s most cherished traditions returns to Hillcrest Mall on November 14, when Santa Claus arrives in Richmond Hill to welcome families for holiday visits and photos. Located in Centre Court, guests can share their holiday wishes with Santa and create new holiday memories. With availability expanding throughout the season, families are encouraged to visit hillcrestmall.ca to view current availability and reserve their visit and photo package in advance.

Holiday Workshop Week: Childhood Holiday Magic for Every Generation | November 16 to 20

Remember those classroom days of holidays past spent memorizing carols, cutting paper snowflakes and reading tales of flying reindeer? This holiday season, Hillcrest is welcoming Richmond Hill Public Library for a week of free, drop-in creative programming designed to bring the community together. Holiday Workshop Week features festive crafts, hands-on activities and seasonal workshops for kids, adults and families.

Seasonal Sounds Uniting the Community

Visitors can enjoy seasonal music and dance performances by local children and youth groups, including York Region Youth Orchestra and JCB Dance School throughout the holiday season.

Furry Friends Welcome Old Saint Nick | November 26 & December 3 & 10 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

Hillcrest’s classic “Pets with Paws” nights are returning, allowing guests and their fur babies to enjoy a visit with Santa. On select evenings, pet parents can capture a festive keepsake with Santa and their furry companions.

Holiday Fun Fridays | December 4 & 11 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Before Santa begins his visits for the day, Boogles Playhouse will fill Centre Court with the sounds, sights and excitement of the season through festive family entertainment, including holiday music, dancing, crafts and interactive activities designed to spark joyful holiday fun for children and parents alike.

 

About Hillcrest Mall

Hillcrest is a regional shopping centre which features an exceptional mix of 120+ fashion, lifestyle and food retailers. Strategically located in the heart of Richmond Hill, the shopping centre provides an unparalleled opportunity to capitalize on the region’s lucrative economy and growing affluent population. Sought-after brands including Sporting Life, Indigo, HomeSense/Marshalls, West Coast Kids, H&M, lululemon, Aritzia and Sephora continue to highlight Hillcrest as a shopping destination in York Region. Hillcrest is co-owned by Oxford Properties and Montez Corp and managed by Oxford Properties Group.

Oxford Properties Group

Who is it for?

All ages

Tickets : Free-120$

Tickets are $120 per table of four, with the Santa photo package included. Net proceeds will support Mackenzie Health Foundation, an important cause for the local community. Families can book this cozy and memorable experience on the Hillcrest website.

How to get tickets?

Buy online

At the door: Free entry

 

Date: Monday November 2, 2026 to Monday January 4, 2027

 

Starting November 28th, Hillcrest will be extending hours to accommodate holiday shopping needs.

The holiday hours are as follows:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Other Key Dates​

November 27 (Black Friday): 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

December 24 (Christmas Eve): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

December 25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED

December 26 (Boxing Day): 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

December 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

January 1 (New Year’s Day): 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Effective January 4th, 2027, new regular mall hours commence:

Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Venue & Address

Hillcrest Mall, 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2

Wheelchair accessible

Free Parking

Accessible by Public Transport